How to turn on the answering machine on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: all ways (including hidden)

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A can be a real helper when you’re busy or can’t pick up the phone. Despite its budget-friendly stuffing, it supports several ways to activate voice messages, from built-in MIUI features to third-party apps. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the working methods, taking into account firmware and the hardware limitations of the model.

It's important to understand that the Redmi 7A doesn't have a separate chip for processing calls in the background, so some solutions may require a constant Internet connection or battery. We've tested each method on devices with MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14, the results are summarized in the comparison table below. If you're looking for a way to save important messages from subscribers when the phone is dead or out of range, this guide is for you.

Does Redmi 7A support an integrated answering machine?

Officially, Xiaomi Redmi 7A does not have a pre-installed autoresponder app like the flagship Mi or POCO models. However, MIUI firmware hides the voicemail function, which works through the carrier, its availability depends on:

• 📶 Mobile operator – not all Russian providers (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon) support the service.
• 📱 Versions MIUI — In older builds (below 12.0) the option may not be available.
• 🔧 Settings SIM-Cards – some virtual operators (Yota, Tinkoff Mobile) block the function.

To check for a built-in answering machine:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Voicemail or Autoresponder section.

If there is no item, your operator does not provide the service, or it is disabled in the SIM settings. In this case, you will have to use third-party solutions (we will talk about them later).

Method 1: Activate via phone settings (if available)

If your operator supports voice mail, you can turn it on in 4 steps:

1. Open the phone. → Settings (⚙️).
2. Select Voicemail. → Setting up.
3. Follow the system instructions (it may be necessary to enter an activation code that will be sent by SMS).
4. Write down the welcome message (the default is the standard operator text).

After activation, subscribers will hear your message if:

• 📞 Calls not answered within 15-30 seconds (depending on operator).
• 🔕 Phones off or out of coverage.
• 🚫 You have enabled Do Not Disturb mode with an exception for voicemail.

⚠️ Attention: Voice mail service can be charged! Check the terms with the operator. For example, MTS first 10 messages are free, then - 3 rubles / min.

Method 2: Use the Google Phone app (for MIUI 12+)

If you don’t have a built-in feature, install the official Google Phone app from Google Play, which supports a visual autoresponder with message transcription (converting speech to text).

Instructions for setting:

1. Install and open Google Phone.
2. Click on three points → Settings → Voicemail.
3. Select Settings and follow the prompts (number confirmation will be required).
4. Enable the option of Transcribing Messages (not available in all languages).

Advantages of the method:

• 📄 Messages are saved in text form (easy to search).
• 🔔 Notifications come even if the phone is turned off (via Google servers).
• 🌐 It works with most operators (including virtual operators).

⚠️ Note: When using Google Phone, the standard Xiaomi Phone app will be disabled. To return it, delete Google Phone or reset the default settings in Settings → Annexes.

Method 3: Third-party applications (for full control)

If the first two methods do not work, install a specialized application.

• 📱 HulloMail – supports personal greetings for different contacts, integration with the Internet CRM.
• 🎤 YouMail – blocks spam calls and offers cloud storage for messages.
• 🔒 Line2 — Creates a second virtual number with an answering machine (paid).

Example of HulloMail setup:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Register and confirm your phone number.
3. In the Settings section, select Autoresponder → Enable.
4. Write down a welcome message (you can download an audio file).

A critical nuance: third-party answering machines require constant operation in the background, which increases battery consumption by 10-15%. On the Redmi 7A with a battery of 4000 mAh, this means a loss of ~1-2 hours of autonomy.

Method 4: Autoresponder through USSD-codes (for advanced ones)

Some operators allow you to manage voice mail through USSD-This works even without the Internet. Here are the current codes for popular operators:

To check the status of the service, type:

• MTS: *111*126#
• Beeline: *110*083#
• Megaphone: *105*503#
• Tele2: *155*2*3#

💡

If USSD-The codes are not working, try adding them. +7 before the number (e.g, *111*123*79123456789#). Some operators require a full format.

Problem Solving: Why is the answering machine not working?

If you have set up an answering machine but it does not work, check:

• 📵 Flight mode - turn it off in the notification curtain.
• 🔕 Do not disturb - in the settings of the mode (Settings) → Sound) add an exception for voicemail.
• 📡 Weak signal – the operator’s answering machine may not work at the network level below 2-3 divisions.
• 🔄 Application Conflict – If multiple answering machines are installed, disable all but one.

For diagnosis:

1. Call your number from another phone.
2. Wait for the answering machine to work (usually after 4-5 beeps).
3. If you hear the standard beeps, the service is not activated.

💡

Redmi 7A with firmware below MIUI 12.0 may not support visual autoresponder. Update system in Settings → About Phone → Software Update.

How to save messages from an answering machine?

Depending on the method of setting up, messages are saved:

• 📥 Built-in answering machine in the operator's memory (3-30 days), to save, go to email or record via voice recorder.
• 🖥️ Google Phone – in the Google Cloud (available via voice.google.com).
• 📁 Third-party apps – usually in the phone’s memory (Autorecord or Voicemail folder).

To export messages from Google Phone:

1. Open the application → Voicemail section.
2. Click on the message → Three dots → Save audio.
3. The file will appear in the Music/Voicemail folder.

For HulloMail:

1. Get in History. → Select a message.
2. Click Share and select messenger or cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the answering machine on Redmi 7A